Wildlife Without Borders - Amphibians in Decline
Proposed project work should occur within the species range, or, if work is to be conducted outside of the range, the proposal should show a clear relevance to its conservation.
- Wildlife Without Borders- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Wildlife Without Borders-Mexico
- Wildlife Without Borders-Africa Program
Examples of Funded Projects
Fiscal Year 2012: The program supported 1) a conservation effort for multiple amphibian species in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, by determining the prevalence of chytrid fungus infection among six endangered frog species in relation to the abundance of the non-native American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus).
Specific activities include: field surveys at five Atlantic Forest sites to determine the abundance of American bullfrogs; field surveys of chytrid fungus prevalence among focal endangered species; DNA sequence analysis of the chytrid fungus detected at the survey sites to determine the relative distribution and frequency of different chytrid genotypes; and outreach to government personnel and other key stakeholders to inform them of the presence of chytrid fungus in the Atlantic forest, the association between chytrid, bullfrog farms, and escaped bullfrogs, and to discuss mitigation measures.
2) a conservation effort for a harlequin frog species (Atelopus varius) in southeastern Costa Rica, by establishing the species status and by preventing the spread of the chytrid fungal pathogen.
Specific activities include: field surveys to determine the species distribution, community, and ecology in Las Tablas Protected Area in the Talamanca region, where a remnant population was detected in 2009 after most populations had gone extinct; field surveys of native and non-native predators, including trout; field surveys of cytrid prevalence and of potential carriers of the fungal pathogen; and community outreach to reduce water contamination and to promote endangered species conservation.
3)Conducted field surveys in areas outside the Lao Newt s known distribution and by working with local communities and other key stakeholders to reduce unsustainable harvest.
Specific activities include: training of field assistants from the National University of Laos s Faculty and Science Department on survey techniques; field surveys in the southern part of the Nam Et Phou Louey National Protected Area and the Kham District along the Vietnam border to determine if the species occurs within a protected area and outside its known distribution; outreach to local communities to inform villagers of the species status and legal protection and to reduce harvesting for the illegal international pet trade; and (4) collaboration with the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Services Offices to ensure that the species occurs within a conservation area.
Fiscal Year 2013: Program has not yet selected projects for funding.
Fiscal Year 2014: Program has not yet selected projects for funding.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Relevant Nonprofit Program Categories
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2012: Program received 20 applications and issued 4 awards. Fiscal Year 2013: No Current Data Available. Fiscal Year 2014: No Current Data Available.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The program will fund projects that conserve the world s rapidly declining amphibian species.
Species eligible for funding are those frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians that face a very high risk of extinction in the immediate future.
Species should meet the criteria to be listed as "Critically Endangered" or "Endangered" on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Species listed as "Data Deficient" on the IUCN Red List are also eligible if the applicant can provide information that suggests a similar urgency for conservation action.
Species listed as "Extinct in Wild" are eligible if the applicant is proposing a reintroduction attempt.
The following species are NOT eligible for funding: Species with natural habitat range located primarily within the United States, territories of the United States, Canada, and the high income economies of Europe; and Non-amphibian species.
Applied research projects should address specific management needs and actions.
Funds provided under this program will not be used for: the purchase of firearms or ammunitions; buying of intelligence information or paying informants; gathering information by persons who conceal their true identity; law enforcement operations that prompt suspects to carry out illegal activities so they may be arrested (entrapment); or any activity that would circumvent sanctions, laws or regulations of either the U. S. or the country in which the activity would occur.
Funds may not be used to provide material support or resources to individuals, entities, or organizations of countries that have been identified by the U. S. Department of State as state sponsors of terrorism.
This program is administered in compliance with the Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977, as amended.
These funds may not be used towards training U. S. Federal Government personnel.
Project work should occur in countries outside of the United States that have within their boundaries amphibian habitats and be conducted by any person or group with the demonstrated expertise required for the successful implementation of the proposed project.
100%.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Applications may be submitted by any non-domestic (outside of the United States) government agency responsible for amphibian conservation and any other U.S.-based or non-domestic public or private organization or institution or individual with demonstrated experience in amphibian conservation.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Non-domestic (outside of the United States) government agencies responsible for amphibian conservation and any other U.S.-based or non-domestic public or private non-governmental organization or institution or individual with demonstrated experience in amphibian conservation.
Credentials/Documentation
No Credentials or documentation are required. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is not applicable.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. The program announcement and application instructions for this program can be found at the Grants.gov website: http://www.grants.gov. Complete application information can also be found at http://www.fws.gov/international/grants-and-reporting/how-to-apply.html, or, if unable to access the website, by requesting a paper copy from the Division of International Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 100, Arlington, VA 22203, Telephone: (703) 358-1754. A proposal will not be considered complete if required elements are not submitted as instructed. U.S. applicants must submit (among other elements) a complete, signed Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance.
Award Procedures
Projects are reviewed and competitively selected for funding based on established criteria. Review criteria can be found in the application information at http://www.fws.gov/international/grants-and-reporting/how-to-apply.html. Once a proposal has been selected for funding, an FWS approving official executes an Assistance Award between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Recipient. Fully executed Awards are sent to the Recipient either electronically or through the mail. The Division of International Conservation then administers all other aspects of the Assistance Award.
Deadlines
Not Applicable.
Authorization
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-43).
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Decisions on funding of project proposals will be made within 180 days after the receipt of the project proposal.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Recipients may request funding for a subsequent year/cycle of a currently funded project. However, these requests are subject to the same submission, review, and approval requirements as all new applications. This program will fund any approved renewal application as new award, not as an amendment to an existing award. Recipients may request approval for budget and project plan revisions of funded projects, including period of performance and reporting due date extensions, in accordance with 43 CFR Part 12.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
This program has no matching requirements. This program does not have a statutory matching requirement. However, to the extent possible, Federal funds should be matched by non-Federal in-kind or cash contributions. Selection preference is given to projects for which matching funds are available.
This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Program obligates funds and sends a notice of award to successful applicants. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Recipients request awarded funds as needed and in accordance with 43 CFR Part 12, unless otherwise dictated by program-specific legislation/regulation or special award terms. Program will include any special award terms and conditions in the notice of award.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
No program reports are required.
No cash reports are required.
Recipients must submit a final performance report no later than 90 calendar days after the award end date.
Recipients of awards with performance periods longer than 12 months will be required to submit interim reports.
Program may require recipients to submit interim reports annually, semiannually, or quarterly.
Program will detail all performance reporting requirements, including frequency and due dates, in the notice of award letter.
Domestic recipients must report expenditures using the SF 425, Federal Financial Report form.
Non-domestic recipients must submit a financial table or spreadsheet in the same format as the original project proposal budget, showing itemized expenditures for the reporting period.
Recipients must submit a final report no later than 90 calendar days after the award end date.
Recipients of awards with performance periods longer than 12 months will be required to submit interim reports.
Program may require recipients to submit interim reports annually, semiannually, or quarterly.
Program will detail all financial reporting requirements, including frequency and due dates, in the notice of award letter.".
Recipients are responsible for monitoring performance for each award and sub-award under this program in accordance with 43 CFR Part 12.
Complete reporting requirements can be found at this program"s web page at http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/assistance-award-guidelines.pdf.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Recipients that are states and local governments will maintain records in accordance with 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart C (section 12.82). All other recipients will maintain records in accordance with 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F (section 12.953). Program-specific legislation/regulation may dictation additional records retention requirements. Program will detail all non-standard records retention requirements in the notice of award.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1611-0-1-302.
Obigations
(Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 12 $96,701; FY 13 est $100,000; and FY 14 est $0 - CFDA should remain active through FY 14.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Range: $10,000- $40,000. Average: $25,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Per http://www.doi.gov/pam/TermsandConditions.html, acceptance of a Federal
Financial award from the Department of the Interior carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of the award. Acceptance is defined as starting work, drawing down or otherwise requesting funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by the Department of the Interior and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated in to the Award either directly or by reference to the following: Program legislation/regulation, assurances, special conditions, the Code of Federal Regulations, and other regulatory requirements, as applicable.
Awards will be administered in conformance with the "Assistance Award Guidelines" established by the Division of International Conservation. The "Assistance Award Guidelines" can be found on-line at http://www.fws.gov/international/DIC/pdf/AAG_9-6-07.pdf or in paper copy by contacting the Division of International Conservation at (703) 358-1754.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Dr. Matt Muir U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 100, , Arlington, Virginia 22203 Email: fw9_wwb_ad@fws.gov;matt_muir@fws.gov Phone: (703) 358 2061 Fax: (703) 358 2115
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
To be considered for funding, proposals must specify a conservation action for an eligible species. The Division of International Conservation ranks proposals by scoring how well each addresses the program priority areas and the requested proposal elements. High priority, well-justified and feasible projects that address all of the requested proposal elements will receive higher scores. These scores are not the sole determining factor for final funding decisions. Other review criteria include considering the degree to which a project:
• Demonstrates the high degree of threat or extinction risk that the target species experiences;
• Addresses a conservation need of a species that is exceptional ecologically, evolutionarily, or in conservation (Note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to articulate what quality makes the species exceptional, but examples would include a species that strongly influences the ecological community in which it occurs, a species that is genetically distinct with few close relatives, a species that exhibits a distinctly unusual behavior, or a species whose conservation would catalyze the conservation of multiple species);
• Occurs in a region or conserves a taxon poorly represented in the Amphibians in Decline portfolio;
• Makes a significant and durable contribution to the survival of the species, or to the integrity of its habitat or an area with significant conservation value for the species;
• Addresses a conservation need identified by a specialist group or by a regional, national or global strategy;
• Applies the best scientific and technical information and methods available in support of project activities;
• Includes the participation of local partners in project activities, including meaningful involvement of government, community or civil society stakeholders;
• Is feasible and likely to be successfully implemented as stated;
• Advances the practice of conservation by being designed and implemented in a way that the successes and failures of activities can be credibly assessed and shared;
• Emphasizes conservation action rather than data collection; and
• Implements activities or provides benefits that have the potential to be sustaining beyond the period of performance of the grant, including training that develops local capacity to implement or manage conservation projects.
The above considerations are not listed in any order of importance. All considerations listed do not necessarily apply to every proposal. Following review, applicants may be asked to revise the project scope and/or budget before a final funding decision can be made.
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